Pedestrians can be found all over the city of Seattle. People are walking to and from their destinations, getting some exercise or just enjoying the weather. In any case, people have just as much right to use the roadways as other larger cars, trucks and vehicles. However, people need to be careful. Auto-pedestrian accidents are common in Washington and often result in serious injuries to pedestrians.
Recently, a pedestrian — a man in his 30s — was seriously injured when he was hit by a car in Washington. According to police, the man was hit while crossing the road by a driver that had a green light. The accident occurred around 6 a.m. Following the auto-pedestrian accident, the pedestrian was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries. Police are investigating but do not suspect that speed, alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision.
Pedestrians can help to prevent a pedestrian accident by following some basic safety rules. First, people should be aware of and follow traffic signs. People should also stick to crossing the street in crosswalks. Furthermore, wearing light colored clothing while walking at night may help drivers see people who are near the road.
However, Washington drivers also have the responsibility to watch for pedestrians and avoid an accident. Drivers that take their attention from the road, even for a split second, can cause serious injuries. Drivers need to slow down in areas when pedestrians are present and do everything they can to avoid an accident.
When drivers fail to meet even the most basic standards — they are distracted, drunk or otherwise negligent, for example — they can be held financially responsible for the injuries that they cause. Pedestrian accidents can result in large medical expenses and other costs that can be covered by a personal injury suit.
Source: KOMO, “Police: Jaywalking pedestrian struck by car in Lynnwood,” March 20, 2014